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Citi Bike Offers Free 1-Month Memberships to NYCHA Tenants, SNAP Recipients

Qualifying Brooklynites can pick up a gift certificate at their local library
Citi Bike, BK Reader
Photo credit: Malcom Garret / Pexels.com

Low-income Brooklynites can access more than just a book at Brooklyn Public Library.

Starting Monday, NYCHA residents and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits recipients can pick up a gift certificate for a free, one-month Citi Bike membership at any of the library branches within the rideshare company's service area. 

The promotion is a part of a collaboration between Citi Bike, the city's public library systems and the Reduced Fare Bike Share program presented by nonprofit health insurance provider Healthfirst.

"The Library has always served the public with free access to education, information and resources," said Nick Higgins, Brooklyn Public Library chief librarian. "Now by adding access to free and low-cost transportation, the possibilities are truly endless. Riders can easily find their way to a job interview, a medical appointment or a lecture at the local library."

Qualifying Brooklynites will be provided with unlimited 45-minute rides during an initial 30-day period. Once the first month is completed, riders can choose to continue their membership, paying only $5 a month, which is less than the cost of two swipes of a MetroCard. For added flexibility, there is no annual commitment or auto-renew. Members can re-enroll at any time by simply taking a Citi Bike trip once their initial month is over, and their membership will be activated for another 30-day period.

This partnership is part of a broader celebration of the first anniversary of the Reduced Fare Bike Share program. Since its launch, more than 7,500 people have taken part in the program for at least one month, and more than 3,500 New Yorkers are currently enrolled, officials said.

"We have been really pleased with the participation during the first year of the Reduced Fare Bike Share program, and we are excited that the partnership between Citi Bike and the New York Public Library System will help bring additional awareness to those that could benefit from it the most," said Errol Pierre, SVP, State Programs at Healthfirst.

The certificates will only be available to new Citi Bike members while supplies last. Riders can use the gift certificates to sign up on citibikenyc.com/reducedfare.




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